Customer Reviews

My Name Is Sangoel (Young Readers)

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Sangoel is new to America. He is a refugee from Sudan who lost his father and home to war. Sangoel leaves the world of the refugee with his Mother and younger sister to settle down in America. Before he leaves, the village elder reminds him of words that stick with him throughout the story,"You will be Sangoel. Even in America." From his arrival at the airport to his first day at school, people to struggle to pronounce Sangoel's name, and although frustrated by his new life, he figures out a creative way to teach people to say his name, even in America. My Name is Sangoel is a great story about the struggles of children retaining their identity while integrating into a new culture.

Sangoel's eyes were tentative as he stared up into the Wise Man's face. The old man would not be going with him to the new country, but rather would be staying behind in Sudan. No one wanted old people, even if they were wise. He listened carefully as he prepared to leave Sudan. "You carry a Dinka name. It is the name of your father and of your ancestors before him." He would carry that name to America when he traveled there with his Mama and sister, Lili. The "sky boat" brought them to a strange and busy airport where people hustled and bustled around. The activity was disconcerting to them all, but he quickly spotted someone holding up a sign . . . SANGOEL.

Sangoel was the "man of the family" at age eight and he knew how to speak English because he had learned it in the camp. The snow was swirling as the family stepped out into the street to learn a different way of life, a life that Mrs. Johnson would teach them about. Even eating with a fork would be something Sangoel would have to learn. He would also have to go to school to learn new things for the Wise One told him that "Education is your mother and your father." No one could pronounce his name correctly, not even the teacher. He whispered it, but no one seemed to hear. How could Sangoel let them know his Dinka name, a name that was so important to him?

This is a touching story of a young boy who wants everyone to know just how important his heritage and Dinka name are to him. Sangoel's feelings and emotions are clearly understood, not only in the text, but also by the emotionally charged artwork. This is one of those "special" tales that will make the young reader appreciate the diversity of not only children like Sangoel, but all children who may seem to be a bit "different" than they are. I loved this book and can full understand why it is a Junior Library Guild Selection. In the back of the book there is a brief vignette on refugees, Americanized names, and the fact that these days "more people choose to keep the name that connects them to their heritage."

"My Name is Sangoel" is a touching story about a young boy named Sangoel, who hails from the Dinka tribe in southern Sudan. Sangoel lost his father to the war in Sudan, and as a result, he and the rest of his family (mother and younger sister) immigrate to the United States. Though life in the refugee camp was not easy, at least Sangoel was still amongst friends and family. In the United States, the family struggles to adapt to their new life - this is very clearly portrayed from their first arrival at the airport (where they are overcome by all the sights, sounds, and confusing signs in an unfamiliar language), to their new home in a strange apartment, having to eat with a fork, and watching television. Sangoel also struggles with school - he feels sad that people are unable to pronounce his name accurately, and after some frustrating encounters with teachers, coaches, and particularly classmates, Sangoel comes up with a unique way that enable people to pronounce his name that way its meant to - by drawing the symbol of a sun and a soccer goalpost on his t-shirt.

This is a great story for introducing young children, ages 4-8 to the hardships faced by young immigrants. Though it is set in the United States, the story of immigrants coping with life-altering changes as they move to a foreign land (due mainly to oppression and war in their home country) is one that is universal. Many youngsters these days take the basics of life for granted - having a home, food, and clothing is seen as their right, and not as something they should truly appreciate. This is a book that might help them realize not everyone is as fortunate in having all their basic needs met. The illustrations by Catherine Stock vividly capture the hardships and adjusting phase of Sangoel and his family, and I'd highly recommend this book as a must-read.